Maps, Directions & Local Weather

Heart of the Lost Coast

Mattole River Camp and Retreat is just outside the small town of Petrolia, California on the pristine Mattole River. To get there means a drive on Mattole Road, known to locals as “The Wildcat” for its untamed curves and dramatic changes in elevation. There is no connectivity on most of the road, so we recommend downloading the Map and Directions PDF. 

Download Map & Directions

Map & Directions

Notice: There is LITTLE OR NO PHONE SERVICE COVERAGE on most of the Mattole Road.
You will not be able to access this map on route. Download the PDF Map and Directions with Map

From South 101 - State Park Route
Avenue of the Giants, Garberville, San Fransisco

For very detailed directions with distances and a map, download and/or print the Map and Directions PDF. There is no connectivity for navigation on most of the Mattole Road. Here’s a basic overview of the State Park route:

  • Heading North on 101, about 40 miles north of Garberville, take Exit 663 toward South Fork/Honeydew/CA-254.

  • Turn left on to Hwy 254, then left on Bull Creek Flats Road / Mattole Road. Continue on Bull Creek Flats/Mattole Road until you cross Historic Honeydew Bridge

  • Honeydew Market sits at the fork in the road. They sell gas when available, during limited hours, often cash only.

  • Take the right fork through Honeydew and continue on Mattole Road until you cross the one lane concrete bridge.

  • Our driveway is to the right immediately after the bridge. The sign and gate are visible from the road. If you see A.W. Way County Park, you have gone too far.

From North 101 - Coastal Route
Eureka, ACV Humboldt County Airport, Oregon Coast

For very detailed directions with distances and a map, download and/or print the Map and Directions PDF. There is no connectivity for navigation on most of the Mattole Road. Here’s a basic overview of the Coastal route:

  • Heading South on 101 … go 14 miles south of Eureka, take Exit 692 Fernbridge/Ferndale.

  • Turn right on Hwy 211 over Fernbridge, and continue Ferndale. Highway 211 Turns into Main Street Ferndale. Go all the way to the last intersection on Main Street, Ocean Avenue.

  • Turn right onto Ocean/Centerville, then the first left onto Petrolia/Mattole road, aka the Wildcat!

  • It is about 35 miles and roughly one to one and a half hours of travel from the turn on to Mattole Road to our front gate. You will make no turns off the road, but many many curves!

  • You will travel up, down, and around over rough roads, switchbacks, and steep grades. Eventually the road will take you down to sea level, and follow the beach for a few miles, then up again, through Petrolia.

  • There is a small gas station in Petrolia with limited gas and limited hours, often cash only.

  • About 8 miles past Petrolia, you will pass the A.W. Way Campground on your right, Mattole River Camp and Retreat is less than 0.2 miles further on the left. The sign and gate are visible from the road. If you cross the one lane bridge, you've gone too far.

Seasons Near the Coast

The Mattole River Valley has a mild climate year round, rarely falling below freezing or rising above 85F. There are tan oak, bay laurel, evergreen, and madrone trees all through and around the grounds.

In the summer, days are warm but not hot, it rarely rains, the grass in the valley is amber gold, and the river is low and cool with emerald pools dotted along the banks.

In the fall and winter the rains bring everything alive with vibrant, lush greenery, and the river begins to swell.

The river is at its highest point in the early spring, rushing through the wind swept valley and on to the roaring pacific a few miles downstream.

For current conditions, consult your favorite weather resource about “Petrolia, California” or the “Mattole River Valley.”